close
Cart 0
Audiobooks > Fiction >  Friendship > A Man Called Ove: A Novel
A Man Called Ove: A Novel Audiobook, by Fredrik Backman Play Audiobook Sample

A Man Called Ove: A Novel Audiobook

By: Fredrik Backman
A Man Called Ove: A Novel Audiobook, by Fredrik Backman Play Audiobook Sample
FlexPass™ Price: $18.95
$9.95 for new members!
(Includes UNLIMITED podcast listening)
  • Love your audiobook or we'll exchange it
  • No credits to manage, just big savings
  • Unlimited podcast listening
Add to Cart
$9.95/m - cancel anytime - 
learn more
OR
Regular Price: $25.99 Add to Cart
Read By: J. K. Simmons Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio Listen Time: at 1.0x Speed 6.17 hours at 1.5x Speed 4.63 hours at 2.0x Speed Release Date: November 2019 Format: Unabridged Audiobook ISBN: 9781797108261
4.79 out of 54.79 out of 54.79 out of 54.79 out of 54.79 out of 5 (4.79) - 24 listener ratings
Wishlist (add) Share
More by Author More by Narrator Similar Audiobooks

Quick Stats About this Audiobook

Total Audiobook Chapters:

42

Longest Chapter Length:

26:28 minutes

Shortest Chapter Length:

32 seconds

Average Chapter Length:

13:10 minutes

Audiobooks by this Author:

19

Other Audiobooks Written by Fredrik Backman: > View All...

My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She's Sorry: A Novel Audibook, by Fredrik Backman
Britt-Marie Was Here: A Novel Audibook, by Fredrik Backman
Anxious People: A Novel Audibook, by Fredrik Backman
And Every Morning the Way Home Gets Longer and Longer: A Novella Audibook, by Fredrik Backman
And Every Morning the Way Home Gets Longer and Longer: A Novella Audibook, by Fredrik Backman
Beartown: A Novel Audibook, by Fredrik Backman
Beartown: A Novel Audibook, by Fredrik Backman
The Deal of a Lifetime: A Novella Audibook, by Fredrik Backman
Us against You: A Novel Audibook, by Fredrik Backman
Things My Son Needs to Know about the World Audibook, by Fredrik Backman
Anxious People: A Novel Audibook, by Fredrik Backman
Anxious People Gente ansiosa (Spanish edition): A Novel Audibook, by Fredrik Backman
Britt-Marie Was Here Britt-Marie estuvo aquí (Spanish edition) Audibook, by Fredrik Backman
Things My Son Needs to Know About the World (Spanish edition): Cosas que mi hijo necesita saber sobre el mundo Audibook, by Fredrik Backman
The Winners: A Novel Audibook, by Fredrik Backman
Man Called Ove, A Un hombre llamado Ove (Spanish edition): A Novel Audibook, by Fredrik Backman
Beartown (Spanish edition) Audibook, by Fredrik Backman
Two Novels of Love and Redemption Dos novelas de amor y redención (Sp) Unabr: El trato de su vida. Y cada manana el camino a casa se vuelve mAs y mAs largo Audibook, by Fredrik Backman

Listeners Also Enjoyed: > View All...

Where the Crawdads Sing: Reese's Book Club (A Novel) Audibook, by
The Woman in Cabin 10 Audibook, by
Pretty Girls Audibook, by
Behind Closed Doors: A Novel Audibook, by
Before We Were Yours: A Novel Audibook, by
All the Light We Cannot See: A Novel Audibook, by
The Girl on the Train: A Novel Audibook, by
Educated: A Memoir Audibook, by
Little Fires Everywhere Audibook, by
A Gentleman in Moscow: A Novel Audibook, by
Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine: A Novel Audibook, by
The Good Daughter: A Novel Audibook, by
The Nightingale: A Novel Audibook, by
The Silent Patient Audibook, by
Pieces of Her Audibook, by
The Wrong Side of Goodbye Audibook, by
The Last Thing He Told Me: A Novel Audibook, by
The Giver of Stars: A Novel Audibook, by
The Great Alone: A Novel Audibook, by
The Woman in the Window: A Novel Audibook, by

Publisher Description

Now a major motion picture A Man Called Otto starring Tom Hanks!

#1 New York Times bestseller—more than 3 million copies sold!

Meet Ove. He’s a curmudgeon—the kind of man who points at people he dislikes as if they were burglars caught outside his bedroom window. He has staunch principles, strict routines, and a short fuse. People call him “the bitter neighbor from hell.” But must Ove be bitter just because he doesn’t walk around with a smile plastered to his face all the time?

Behind the cranky exterior there is a story and a sadness. So when one November morning a chatty young couple with two chatty young daughters move in next door and accidentally flatten Ove’s mailbox, it is the lead-in to a comical and heartwarming tale of unkempt cats, unexpected friendship, and the ancient art of backing up a U-Haul. All of which will change one cranky old man and a local residents’ association to their very foundations.

Fredrik Backman’s beloved first novel about the angry old man next door is a thoughtful exploration of the profound impact one life has on countless others. “If there was an award for ‘Most Charming Book of the Year,’ this first novel by a Swedish blogger-turned-overnight-sensation would win hands down” (Booklist, starred review).

Download and start listening now!

"Good writer, good writing style and development of characters. Even funny is some places. However, very overdone is this quintessential grumpy old man with a golden heart. He complains about everything and some of the same stuff multiple times for 29 chapters. The author made his point in the first three chapters. Pros are the characters - the neighbors. The last 7 chapters were enjoyable. I finished book b/c I wanted to see what all the fuss was about. I thought this book was, for the most part, horrible."

— Christy  (5 out of 5 stars)

Quotes

  • Narrator J.K. Simmons could read the Cheesecake Factory menu and make it entertaining. So taking on Ove, the grumpy but hurting old man in this novel, allows Simmons to mine the vein of deep emotions embedded in this novel. Ove, the epitome of a curmudgeon, is brought out of his grief-induced shell by a colorful cast of lovable neighbors. Simmons imbues this international bestseller with both a playful tone and the pain of heartbreak as circumstances challenge Ove's strict rules and principles. Simmons delivers Ove's emergence from his shell with an arched eyebrow and a knowing tone. Backman's exploration of how one life impacts those of countless others provides insights into the human potential for growth and love."

  • “Narrator J. K. Simmons could read the Cheesecake Factory menu and make it entertaining…Simmons delivers Ove’s emergence from his shell with an arched eyebrow and a knowing tone…Winner of the AudioFile Earphones Award.”

    — AudioFile

  • “Readers seeking feel-good tales with a message will rave about the rantings of this solitary old man with a singular outlook. If there was an award for ‘Most Charming Book of the Year,’ this first novel by a Swedish blogger-turned-overnight-sensation would win hands down.”

    — Booklist (starred review)

  • “A funny crowd-pleaser that serves up laughs to accompany a thoughtful reflection on loss and love…The author writes with winning charm.”

    — Publishers Weekly (starred review)

  • “A charming debut…You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll feel new sympathy for the curmudgeons in your life. You’ll also want to move to Scandinavia, where everything’s cuter.”

    — People

Awards

  • A New York Times bestseller
  • Finalist for the Audie Award for Best Narration
  • Winner of an AudioFile Earphones Award
  • A New York Times Bestseller in Audio

A Man Called Ove Listener Reviews

Overall Performance: 4.75 out of 54.75 out of 54.75 out of 54.75 out of 54.75 out of 5 (4.75)
5 Stars: 19
4 Stars: 4
3 Stars: 1
2 Stars: 0
1 Stars: 0
Narration: 4.818181818181818 out of 54.818181818181818 out of 54.818181818181818 out of 54.818181818181818 out of 54.818181818181818 out of 5 (4.82)
5 Stars: 19
4 Stars: 2
3 Stars: 1
2 Stars: 0
1 Stars: 0
Story: 4.65 out of 54.65 out of 54.65 out of 54.65 out of 54.65 out of 5 (4.65)
5 Stars: 15
4 Stars: 4
3 Stars: 0
2 Stars: 1
1 Stars: 0
Write a Review
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5 Narration Rating: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5 Story Rating: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " It shows how some people think in Europe, Solve problems "

    — Sm, 4/30/2023
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Story Rating: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    — Pham Van, 2/26/2023
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Story Rating: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    — ettore indiano, 11/4/2022
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Story Rating: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    — Amany Haddad, 5/31/2022
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5 Narration Rating: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5 Story Rating: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    — Dolly Parker, 5/17/2022
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Story Rating: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    — sonia mcvean, 10/27/2021
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5 Narration Rating: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    — Thomas Sawyers, 10/22/2021
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Story Rating: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    — bita fillipi, 9/9/2021
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Story Rating: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5

    — Peter Gogl, 8/1/2021
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Story Rating: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    — Janelle, 6/3/2021
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Story Rating: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    — Amy Lo, 5/1/2021
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Story Rating: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    — Gloria Swaine, 3/8/2020
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Story Rating: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    — Philip Oxman, 5/3/2018
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Story Rating: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " This is one of the best novels I've ever read. This book is a great reminder that being kind can mean the difference in someone's life. After hearing about Ove's losses throughout his life, it's easy to see how he can be so grumpy. Funny. Sad. Sarcastic. Sweet. All wrapped up in one great book! It was so good, I listened to it independently and then listened to it again with my family. We all enjoyed it! "

    — Julie, 4/17/2018
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Story Rating: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    — kim topping, 10/3/2017
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " A very heartwarming story. A really great reminder that kindness can make a world of difference. "

    — 9/8/2017
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Story Rating: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    — Louise LaPoint, 8/23/2017
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Story Rating: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Funny, Sad, Quirky. Roller coaster of emotions all wrapped up in a well-written fun story. "

    — Jill, 3/21/2017
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5 Narration Rating: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5 Story Rating: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " A Man called Ove written by Fredrik Backman and read by George Newbern was simply fantastic. In the fashion of the Girl with the Dragon tatoo (yet not as dark) the Swedish really know how to tell a story. Ove is a good guy without ever compromising what is right. He is simple yet strong. Both physically and mentally. He's a grouchy older man and doesn't care. It's what's lovable about him and why people are drawn to him. You'll love this charming tale. BTW...be prepared to cry at the end. "

    — Chap, 3/20/2017
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    — Connie Elness, 11/15/2016
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " Loved it! One cannot help but understand and love Ove and his "black and white" world. Despite his singular outlook, he teaches acceptance in the most rudimentary way. "

    — Dolly, 11/14/2016
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Story Rating: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    — Kristie, 8/31/2016
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Story Rating: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Just enjoyed it...funny, sarcastic and good change of pace. "

    — Gaye, 6/2/2016
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Story Rating: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    — Edward Aragon, 11/11/2015

About Fredrik Backman

Fredrik Backman is a Swedish author of the New York Times bestselling novel Beartown, as well as A Man Called Ove, and My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She’s Sorry, and Britt-Marie Was Here, among others. His books are published in more than forty countries and have sold more than ten million copies.

About J. K. Simmons

J. K. Simmons is an American actor and voice talent. He has had roles in four Broadway productions and has had many roles in television series, including the role of police psychiatrist Dr. Emil Skoda on three incarnations of Law & Order. He has appeared in three Spider-Man movies and is also known for his role in Juno. Besides his audiobook narrations, he has done voice-over work for major television commercials.